Linux/Mac/Cygwin: Bash scripts are collections of command line operations that automate frequently-performed actions in the terminal. If you're sick of typing out a set of commands one by one, it's time to script 'em out. Tech site Computer Science Directory has a full introduction to bash scripting perfect for the absolute beginner and advanced enough for seasoned bash pros.

What bash or any scripting language does is to call for premade programs that live in your computer. So when you write a command in a script you are calling a command that is a part of the system. That is why this tutorial will be just as much a Linux and UNIX tutorial as a shell scripting tutorial.